Betty Annett

Betty Jane Annett of Abilene, Texas, went home to be with her Lord, on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Family and a host of beloved friends surrounded her along with her caregivers from Hendrick Hospice Center as she made her journey to her eternal home. Betty (lovingly known as Memaw) fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Betty’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service. Kenny Horner, Betty’s son-in-law, of Ovalo, Texas will officiate. 

On Sunday, March 3, at 1 p.m., a graveside service and burial will be held at Forest Chapel Cemetery in Chicota, Texas, with Kenny Horner officiating. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Betty Jane Annett was born in Honey Grove, on June 10, 1934, Texas to Lewis and Wilma Porter. She graduated from Chicota High School in 1951. She married Charles Howard Annett on July 28, 1951, in Paris, Texas. Charles was the love of her life, and they treasured every one of their 58 years together. Betty loved being a wife, mother, memaw and servant to God. She devoted her life to having a home that welcomed all, supporting her three children throughout their lives and was her husband’s faithful and loving partner in every way. Betty’s talents included: sewing, decorating, painting, gardening, cooking and always making sure she incorporated a pop of pink! Her husband, Charles, always knew that if he brought home one or six for meals (even at the last minute), she would prepare a gourmet feast. All through the years, she took immense pride and joy in fellowshipping with anyone who came through her door. She never lost her childlike wonder for new things, amazed at the beautiful doors God opened in her life. She reveled in her first train ride in the mountains of New Mexico, was astounded the first time she saw the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina and was thrilled to spend her 80^th birthday in New York with daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters! Just like her husband, her driving motivation was to serve the Lord and spread His Word. This, more than anything else, guided their every service and decision as spouses, mother and father, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Memaw, to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passes on a legacy of faith, hope, and love to each of these generations. She lived her life as a testament to Galatians 5:10, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Annett, her parents, Lewis and Wilma Porter, her sister, Barbara Ann Campbell, and her beloved son, Stephen Charles Annett. Betty is survived by her two daughters, Debra Jane Lanham (Darrel Keigm Lanham), Katherine Diane Horner (Kenneth Lawrence Horner), and special cousins Lisa, Lauren, and Cliff Chadwick (Brandi). She was a wonderful Memaw to eight grandchildren: Curtis Little, Lacey Annett, Kassi Jane Horner, Kammi Horner Green (Warren), Karri Horner Vargas (Michael), Kolby Charles Horner (Katelyn), Candice Lanham Belk (Conly) and Charles Daniel Lanham (Ashley). She was also "Memaw" to 19 great-grandchildren: Nicholas Norrell, Delia Rose, James Little, Tanner Belk, Julie Belk, Lily Lanham, Zoey Lanham, Charlie Harris, Kathryn Green, Evan Green, Lyla Green, Cole Vargas, Maddie Vargas, Graham Vargas, Kaleb Horner, Klaire Horner, Kennedy Horner, Khloe Horner and Kodi Horner. She loved and cherished every moment she had with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty also remained close to, and deeply loved, her niece and nephews, Elizabeth Campbell, Charlie and Denise Campbell, David and Keri Campbell and Jimmy Campbell. Pallbearers will be: Kolby Horner, Kaleb Horner, Michael Vargas, Cole Vargas, Graham Vargas, Warren Green, Evan Green, Charlie Lanham, Jimmy Campbell, David Campbell, Charlie Campbell and Mark Diggs. 

Memorials may be made to: Albuquerque Children's Home, 5700 Winter Haven Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87120 or Zambia Medical Mission @zambiamission.org through Hillcrest Church of Christ. The family of Betty Jane Annett wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hillcrest Church of Christ, friends from Winters ISD, Madison Prayer Warriors, Hendrick Hospice Center and all who constantly called, visited, brought food, sat with her at Rehab and made sure she knew how much she was loved. Betty kept this scripture close to her heart, from Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is nearby. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”